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4.4

A spirited place to stay a stone's throw from Parc de la Ciutadella.

The watchword at the Chic & Basic hotels is 'playful', from the Chupa Chup lollipops that come in the 'welcome pack' to the impossibly tall sofas that appear to have been auctioned off after the filming of a Tim Burton movie. This branch is housed on two floors of an elegant 19th-century building, remnants of which include a sweeping marble staircase; moulded cornicing and dado rails, and vast oak doors at the entrance.

Location

4.9

90%

Eating/drinking

4.5

90%

Leisure facilities

3.5

90%

Service

4

90%

Value for money

4

90%

Bedrooms

4

90%

Public areas

4.7

90%

Location

Apart from the traffic noise at the intersection of C/Princesa and C/Comerç, the location can scarcely be beat – just metres from the entrance to the verdant [node:168884], the hotel is also in the thick of the action, in the elegant, lively Born district.

Bedrooms

Decor is minimalist and snowy white - rooms have adjustable mood lighting in different hues and glassed-in showers in the centre for exhibitionists. Twisted acrylic curtains and vast mirrors play tricks with the space, but essentially there is no getting around the fact that the M and X rooms are quite small. If you can afford it, splash out on an XXL (my favourite is no.24, which has a big balcony looking out to the peaceful interior of the block).

Public areas

There is no terrace at the Chic & Basic, but there is the 'Be Yourself' area, a high-ceilinged lounge with a fresh design; white walls, mirrors and the above-mentioned sofas. Here you'll find free WiFi, a computer terminal for guests' use and, coming off it, the 'Help Yourself' area, with complimentary Nespresso coffee, cookies and a range of teas including some delicious boutique herbal blends.

Eating and drinking

While the hotel doesn't have its own restaurant per se, 'La Burguesa' downstairs is affiliated, and serves a basic buffet breakfast to guests (8.50 euros).

Leisure facilities

There's a tiny gym with three serious-looking machines.

Service

You're unlikely to come into much contact with staff, but those on reception are pleasant enough and there is a limited form of room service (you call and order a sandwich or a brownie, say, then you go to reception and pick it up).

Who stays there

The all-glass shower cubicles in the centre of the room make this hotel aimed squarely at the young and in-love. There are no single rooms, so lone travellers will probably do better elsewhere.

Price advice

The hotel often gives 20 per cent discount on Sundays, and there are cheap rates for early, non-refundable bookings.